Is a licensed practical nurse (LPN) allowed to dispense and distribute opioid overdose reversal medication (OORM) to high-risk patients in hospital and other settings following directions or orders of an authorized health care practitioner?

Yes. LPNs are allowed to dispense and distribute OORM to high-risk patients in hospital and other settings following directions or orders from an authorized health care practitioner. The WABON recommends the nurse use the Scope of Practice Decision Tree to determine if dispensing and distributing OORM is permitted based on competency, facility/employer policy, and other factors. Orders may be done following a patient-specific order, a facility standing order, or the Statewide Standing Order to Dispense Naloxone. For more information, see the WABON’s Prevention and Treatment of Opioid-Related Overdoses Advisory Opinion and the Washington State Department of Health Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution Website.